Expecting in Style

Pregnancy and Sleep: How to Get What You Need - Part 6

2008-03-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

You probably have heard that how well you sleep at night is based upon what you do during the day. What you eat, drink, and do while awake all influence what your body will do when it is asleep. You probably already know to avoid caffeine during the day. This is due to the affects it could have on your baby, but it can also have adverse reactions on your sleep. There is a two-fold reason for this. Caffeine is a stimulant, so it will keep you awake, but it also acts as a diuretic. This means that you will be getting up more often to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. You should avoid all caffeine if possible, and limit the amount you drink right before bed.

You should also limit what you eat before bed. It would be a good idea to avoid large heavy meals two to three hours before you go to sleep since you could suffer a bad bought of acid reflux or nausea if you lie down too soon after eating a large dinner.

Exercise is something else that should be limited right before bed. Being active during the day will help your sleep, but you need to do it at least three to four hours before bed. If not, it can actually keep you awake.

Sleep is an important component for health, and getting the best sleep possible can be done even when you are pregnant.

Pregnancy and Sleep: How to Get What You Need - Part 5

2008-03-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Sleep is vital anytime of your life, but especially when you are pregnant. Your changing body, though, can make getting the sleep you need difficult. Many women find that morning sickness actually can occur at any time of the day or night. They have been awakened in the middle of the night with a desperate need to vomit. If you are so plagued there are some things you might be able to try in order to soothe your stomach and get relief.

Many women find that some saltines or soda crackers next to the bed on which to nibble when nausea hits does the trick. Some moms-to-be have even found that bananas, ice water, or club soda can help. This is just a matter of whatever works for you. Another drug-free method of nausea relief could be to find an acupressure band such as those sold for sea sickness. These apply pressure on the inside of the wrist, just below the hand. Many find that pressing here alleviates nausea.

Next time, another sleep ailment and what to do about it.

Pregnancy and Sleep: How to Get What You Need - Part 4

2008-03-12T17:01:00.001-07:00

It plagues women during the day, and when it does, it can be bad enough, but at night, it seems unbearable. It feels like a fiery sword in your chest, stabbing you right behind your breastbone. There have been many women who have called their doctors in a panic, believing that they were in the midst of a heart attack. This is always the safest course of action if you are uncertain, but the good news for most of these ladies is that they just had severe heart burn or acid reflux. Acid reflux can be especially problematic at night when you lie down. That is when acid in the stomach can rise up into the esophagus and burn it. Besides taking calcium antacids, like TUMS, there are other more natural things you can do to prevent it. Try to elevate the head of your bed by about four or five inches. You can either sleep on top of a second pillow or purchase a bed wedge made specifically for this purpose. Also, avoid heavy meals close to bedtime and try not to have anything for two to three hours before bed. Try to drink some cool water if you can feel the acid begin to rise, or chew on some gum. Saliva is a natural antacid that works better than over the counter medications. If you still have heartburn that wakes you in the middle of the night, talk to your doctor to see if she recommends any other treatments.

Pregnancy and Sleep: How to Get What You Need - Part 3

2008-03-12T17:00:00.001-07:00

There are many things that can keep you awake at night when you are expecting besides stress and discomfort. Many women when they are pregnant develop restless leg syndrome (RLS). This is a disorder that affects up to one fifth of all pregnant women during the last trimester of their term. It is described by many sufferers as a “creepy, crawly” feeling in their legs that makes them want to move their legs. This most often occurs when the woman is in bed or just relaxing. Doctors are unsure of the exact cause of pregnancy onset RLS, but they do note that it wears off within a month of giving birth for most women. Some believe that iron deficiency is the cause of this, since additional iron supplements seem to help to relieve the symptoms for many. Other women find that putting hot and or cold packs on their legs at night helps. See which of these drug-free solutions helps you, since it is not advised that pregnant women take unnecessary drugs during their term, even for RLS. If you have tried everything, though, talk to your physician about other treatment options you might have in order to finally get some sleep.

Pregnancy and Sleep: How to Get What You Need - Part 2

2008-03-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

Americans just don't sleep. Most get less than they need, and as a result, they drag through their days relying on coffee, sodas, and sugar to stay awake. Unfortunately, these are just temporary fixes. They do not help to fix the root problem. Doctors recommend getting at least eight hours of sleep per night, but if you are pregnant, just the thought of getting sleep in any amount might seem elusive. Daily stresses can play a record all night through your mind, and late in your term, when your body has grown and changed its shape, the positions in which you used to sleep might not be comfortable or safe any longer. Just by following some guidelines, these issues can be dealt with and you can get the sleep you need.

The best sleeping position is not on your stomach or your back. These can actually be harmful ways to lie for your baby since they both put too much pressure on your stomach. Rather, the best way to sleep for both your baby and your back is on your side with a pillow to support your stomach and a small pillow between your knees. The pillow between your knees helps your legs and hips to maintain their natural positions they are in when you are standing. Without a pillow between your knees, your legs and hips can compress together overnight, leading to pain in the morning. If you do not want to have to have two pillows, another option would be to sleep with your arms and legs wrapped around a body pillow. These are especially comfortable, and they can be used even after the baby has come and you return to your previous sleeping style.

Pregnancy and Sleep: How to Get What You Need - Part 1

2008-03-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy can be a busy time for you. It seems like everything is happening at once and you cannot seem to get caught up. Between work, making plans for the baby, and your fluctuating hormones, you might feel like you can never get a break. Once you do get a chance to get off your feet during the day, you might feel almost like falling asleep immediately. Daytime sleepiness is a sure sign that you are not getting enough rest at night. Don't worry, most women don't – pregnant or not. In fact, studies have shown that the majority of Americans get less than the needed eight hours of sleep per night.

Getting enough sleep at night can be especially problematic when you're expecting. Finding a comfortable position can seem like an impossible task, and daily stresses can keep your mind going on all eight cylinders. This keeps your from relaxing enough for your sleep to be beneficial. Over this blog series, we will look at ways to help you to get the sleep which you need in order to feel your best during the day.

Expecting on the Road - Part 2

2008-02-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

In order to really be comfortable while you are pregnant and traveling, you will have to plan ahead. Since you are already aware that you need to make more trips to the restroom, plan some time into your driving trip, or reserve a seat on the plane near the bathroom. This will save you hassle when you have the need to empty your bladder.

While you might think that cutting back on the water you drink in order to cut back on your bathroom visits is a good idea, it can actually lead to dehydration. This can make you cranky and uncomfortable, and it is not good for your baby's health either. Recycled air in airplanes and air conditioned cars is notorious for making travelers thirsty. So drink up. It will also be a good idea to have some low-sodium, healthy snacks with you. That way you don't have to rely on the airline food or whatever you can find at a roadside gas station when hunger strikes.

In order to best endure the long periods of being seated, you should wear your most comfortable clothes possible, and dress in layers. That way, you can take each layer off if you get hot, or add layers if you get cold. You should also carry a small pillow to place in the small of your back for added support. That small addition will make a world of difference in how you feel while traveling.

The biggest secret to traveling while pregnant, though, is to have fun. Think about the new and interesting places you are going to and the sights you will see along the way. You might even think about starting a scrap book of your baby's first trip.

Expecting on the Road - Part 1

2008-02-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

For pregnant women, sometimes even the most common of things can pose difficult challenges. Traveling is one of those. There are many things to think about when you are on the road. For many moms-to-be, traveling and morning sickness do not mix, and since the nausea can last the entire term for some women, travel might seem prohibitive. If you know how to plan, though, you will still be able to find ways to safely and comfortably hit the road, even with baby on board.

Did you know that some airlines will not let you fly after the 36th week? If you are planning to take a plane while pregnant, you will likely need to get a note from your doctor as to where you are in your term. Cruise ships have similar restrictions, but the actual guidelines vary, so you will need to check with the ship itself or the cruise line before booking your trip.

When you book your cabin for a cruise, look for one on the outside of the ship, preferably with a balcony. This will enable you to get some fresh air which will help to combat any seasickness you might feel. On a plane, look for a seat at the front and on an aisle. This gives you the best spot for getting into and out of your seat. It is even better if your seat is near the restroom at the front of the plane, so that you will not have to go as far to use the facility.

Next time, we will discuss more tips for traveling while pregnant.

Latest Medical Headlines - Part 1

2008-02-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

Have you heard the latest news about caffeine and pregnancy? Here is the link to the story from MSNBC.com: "Coffee Habit May Double Miscarriage Risk".

It looks likes this is one more reason to avoid too much caffeine while you are pregnant. There have been conflicting studies about coffee for expecting moms in the past, but this is some of the most intriguing, since it pinpoints an amount of coffee that is low enough to apply to many normal women. The study finds that just 200 mg of caffeine per day from any source could increase your risk for miscarriage. 200 mg is not a lot. It is the same as about two cups of regular coffee, unless that coffee comes from Starbucks, where one tall brewed coffee has 270mg of caffeine by itself. If you change that brewed coffee in for a latte, you can lower the caffeine amount to about 75 mg, due to the milk used for half of the drink. That amount of caffeine could also come from four cans of soda or six to eight cups of tea.

Keep in mind that this is just one study, and cutting out all caffeine will cause withdrawal symptoms like irritability and headaches. You might try slowly switching to decaf or drinking half regular and half decaf coffee. Remember, especially in pregnancy, everything in moderation.

Pampered While Pregnant - Part 8

2008-02-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

This will be the last in this pampered while pregnant blog series. Over this series, we have examined various ways to pamper yourself. This time, I am letting some of those who have given us feedback share their ideas for pampering themselves:

I like to curl up with a good book on the sofa on a rainy day. - Lorraine from Akron, OH

Getting together with my girlfriends at the mall is my favorite thing to do. - Sasha in Charleston, SC

To pamper myself, I like to go to the salon and get my air trimmed and styled. When they wash my hair, I get a bonus scalp massage. It's really worth it! - Anita in San Diego, CA

Making my husband get our other kids breakfast on Saturday mornings. It is the one day of the week that I get to sleep in. - Noel in Seattle

Those were just a few of the many emails and other feedback from pregnant women who have found ways to pamper themselves. Why not you? Why not now?

How do you pamper yourself during pregnancy? Let us know by leaving your comments. Over the course of this blog series we have made some suggestions, and let you know what you can indulge and what you should avoid. Stay tuned for more advice and tips in the ultimate guide to being pregnant.

Pampered While Pregnant - Part 7

2008-01-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

One way that many women like to treat themselves is with food. Usually this means chocolate. Pregnancy can bring about strange cravings for foods you might not have ever even tried, but unless your doctor has told you to avoid it, go ahead and dig in. Especially during the waves of nausea that begin early in your term, finding something appetizing is often difficult. Once you do, go ahead an indulge. If you are out at a restaurant and cannot pass on the chocolate silk pie, try it. You are only pregnant for a short time. After the baby comes, you will find yourself sharing many of your desserts with your child, if you have time for them at all. So long as your overall diet is healthy, a decadent dessert every now and then is a good way to give yourself a much deserved treat.

How do you pamper yourself during pregnancy? Let us know by leaving your comments. Over the course of this blog series we will make some suggestions, and let you know what you can indulge and what you should avoid. Stay tuned for the ultimate guide to relaxing while pregnant.

Pampered While Pregnant - Part 6

2008-01-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

While some women are lucky enough to go through pregnancy with clear, glowing skin, for many, skin problems like acne can arise. Both of these are due to hormones released during pregnancy. Treating your acne and getting a facial are great ways to pamper yourself. Your face will look brighter the sooner you can treat the problems, and a brighter visage is likely to give you just the boost in mood you need.

When you are treating your acne, or using other skin care products, there are many which you should avoid. These include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and anything with retinoids. Also, wait until after the baby comes before doing any chemical peels.

There are safe options for treating your skin during pregnancy. Look for glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, or sulfur-based products. These are safe methods for curing acne during pregnancy. Do not forget the advice you got as a teenager, don't touch your face, use oil-free makeup, and using loose powder. Once you have achieved that glowing look, the world will see just how happy you are to be an expectant mom.

How do you pamper yourself during pregnancy? Let us know by leaving your comments. Over the course of this blog series we will make some suggestions, and let you know what you can indulge and what you should avoid. Stay tuned for the ultimate guide to relaxing while pregnant.

Pampered While Pregnant - Part 5

2008-01-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

While you might not have considered it a form of pampering before, exercise can go a long way toward relieving stress while you are expecting. Some forms of movement are better for pregnant women than others ask your physician, and be sure to check our previous blog series call “Exercising for Two”. If you have never exercised before, talk to your doctor before you begin.

All forms of exercise help you feel better. How does that work when all you ever seem to get from a workout is a sweat and sore muscles? Have you ever noticed that you sleep better that night and you are more relaxed during the day? This is because exercise helps to release endorphins which are the body's “feel good” hormones. You can fight those hormone induced mood swings of pregnancy with the “feel good” hormones produced from exercise.

For the ultimate in stress relief, you might want to try yoga. This form of movement helps you to make a tranquil mind-body connection. Yoga has been associated with better self-image and elevated mood. It will also increase your flexibility and strength which can help you to better move without the aches and pains of of pregnancy.

How do you pamper yourself during pregnancy? Let us know by leaving your comments. Over the course of this blog series we will make some suggestions, and let you know what you can indulge and what you should avoid. Stay tuned for the ultimate guide to relaxing while pregnant.

Pampered While Pregnant - Part 4

2008-01-15T16:14:00.000-08:00

When you are pregnant, you are likely overwhelmed by aches and pains. At times, your changing form can make it difficult to sleep, and the stress of your daily life coupled with all the planning that is required for the baby. You need a break, but sometimes pampering at home is not enough. If you have never gotten a massage before, now might be the time to consider one.

Why are massages so great? There are several reasons. No longer are they thought to be quack medicine, or the forefronts for the sex trade. There are some of those still out there, so you will need to find a massage clinic that is run by a certified massage therapist. You could check their business credentials with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.

The massage itself will help to relax your sore muscles and work out any tension which you might have. Additionally, the tactile nature brings a feeling of having someone care for you for an hour. This often evokes happy memories from other times when someone else took time to care for you.

You will want to find a massage therapist who has had experience working with pregnant women, as she will know which oils and aromatherapy products she needs to avoid, as well as positions to keep you from sitting in. Late in your term, you should opt for a chair massage rather than a table massage. This will prevent you from lying on your stomach for an hour or more, which could harm your baby.

How do you pamper yourself during pregnancy? Let us know by leaving your comments. Over the course of this blog series we will make some suggestions, and let you know what you can indulge and what you should avoid. Stay tuned for the ultimate guide to relaxing while pregnant.

Pampered While Pregnant - Part 3

2008-01-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

One of the easiest ways to pamper yourself is to close the bathroom door and draw yourself a warm bubble bath. It is important to close the door and possibly take the phone off the hook or turn the ringer off. This ensures that you will be left undisturbed. Taking some time exclusively to yourself is important for your emotional well being. It will let you step back and recharge. Time alone is a great way to relieve stress.

For your bath, the water should be warm but not too hot. Hot water will cause your skin to dry out quicker after you get out, which can lead to dry, cracked skin. Make sure that the water is not too cool because the warm water will help to relax your aching muscles. A warm bath just before bed has also been proven to help you get to sleep sooner and sleep deeper, both sometimes elusive nighttime goals.

There are bath products that have aromatherapy additives in them to help with many things. For relaxation and stress relief, look for lavender. Invigorating scents are lemon and peppermint. If scented bath products cause a bad reaction for you, then you could still get all the benefits of aromatherapy from candles.

How do you pamper yourself during pregnancy? Let us know by leaving your comments. Over the course of this blog series we will make some suggestions, and let you know what you can indulge and what you should avoid. Stay tuned for the ultimate guide to relaxing while pregnant.

Pampered While Pregnant - Part 2

2008-01-10T10:55:00.000-08:00

When the baby comes, you might find that your child is the center of everyone's attention, including yours. Until then, you will have nine months where you are in the spotlight. Relish the time now when people dote on you. There will be times when you might feel depressed. Reach out to your friends and family and let them know. For mild cases of the pre-baby blues due to hormones, you should pamper yourself to give your self-esteem a boost. This could be anything from a warm bubble bath, a good book, or a stylish new set of maternity clothes.

On the other hand, if you think that your depressed mood is more chronic, persisting longer than two weeks, and you have any or all of the following: trouble sleeping, excessive crying, thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, these are all signs of serious depression. You need to talk to your doctor immediately. Especially if you have any thoughts of suicide or harming your child or other people.You should be aware of any of these after the baby arrives as well. We will discuss depression in pregnancy in a later blog.

Do not forget to pamper yourself during your pregnancy. It can help to give your mood a lift. Remember, you deserve it.

How do you pamper yourself during pregnancy? Let us know by leaving your comments. Over the course of this blog series we will make some suggestions, and let you know what you can indulge and what you should avoid. Stay tuned for the ultimate guide to relaxing while pregnant.

Pampered While Pregnant - Part 1

2008-01-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

You are now pregnant. Congratulations! This is a great time for you, and you will likely want to take full advantage of this special period of your life. There will be times, though, when you will not feel very good, and you might even wonder why you ever wanted a baby. These feelings are normal and experienced by almost all moms-to-be.

Part of the reason is the stress of your daily life coupled with planning for the baby's arrival adds up to be too much for most women. Put on top of that your fluxuating hormones and your friends and family might wonder if you have become manic-depressive. Keep in mind that these negative emotions are not permanent and they will pass. While you might not feel like it, when you feel depressed is the best time to pamper yourself. Remember that you are going to become a mother. That is the most honored and necessary job ever. Where would we be without moms?

How do you pamper yourself during pregnancy? Let us know by leaving your comments. Over the course of this blog series we will make some suggestions, and let you know what you can indulge and what you should avoid. Stay tuned for the ultimate guide to relaxing while pregnant.

Questions about the blog

2008-01-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Where does all of the information in this blog come from? Are you a doctor?

No, I personally am not a physician, but one of my favorite Internet sources for trustworthy information about pregnancy is www.WebMD.com. This site has all of its content created and edited by physicians from places such as the Cleveland Clinic, and it is the lay person's version of the medical reference site www.MedLine.com. MedLine is the place where physicians and other medical professionals go for information about the newest treatment therapies, medical studies, and uses for drugs.

Since I am not a doctor myself, and every pregnancy is different, I always recommend that anything discovered in this blog be discussed with your physician before trying it out. If you look for information about your pregnancy anywhere on the Internet, ask your doctor which sites he suggests. There is a lot of dubious and false information out there, and you do not want to harm your baby due to being misinformed.

If you have any further questions about this blog, please feel free to ask by leaving your questions in the comments area of the blog.

Vaccines During Pregnancy

2008-01-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

Can I get a vaccine while pregnant?

This is a frequent question that many women have. The answer is that it depends. Vaccines can be beneficial in the antibodies they help you produce. When you build antibodies, they are passed on to your baby, so being up to date on your shots is good for you and your baby, but there are some shots that pregnant women need to wait until after the baby is born, while others can be given any time.

Safe shots for pregnant women include those for Hepatitis B, Tetanus/Diphtheria, and Influenza (the flu). Keep in mind that the vaccine for Hepatitis B is a course of three separate doses. You must also test negative for the Hepatitis B virus in your body. A shot for the flu is good to prevent complications that can arise in those who have chronic conditions such as heart disease, weaken immune systems or asthma, and a Tetanus/Diphtheria booster shot is needed once every 10 years.

The following vaccines could cause potential harm to your fetus or yourself and should be avoided: Hepatitis A, oral polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), pneumoccocal, and varicella. The safety of these for pregnant women has not been established and you should talk to your doctor about the best time to get up to date on these vaccines.

Exercising for Two - Part 6

2008-01-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

Over the course of this blog we will highlight the various different exercises which you can do during your pregnancy which are both safe and beneficial. This will be the last entry. In today's finale we will take a look at who should NOT exercise while pregnant, or when to stop if you are.

While exercise has many benefits both for you and your baby, there are some cases in which it could be dangerous. This is especially true for those women who have been told that they have a high risk pregnancy. If you have a low placenta, weak cervix, prior miscarriages, a history of early labor, bleeding or spotting, and any chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma. Be sure to check with your physician.

Once you are given the green light to exercise, there are times when you will need to stop immediately and discuss continuing your workout regime with your doctor. Stop at once if while exercising any of the following occurs: bleeding or steady fluid leak from the vagina, a sudden gush of a lot of vaginal fluid, sudden swelling in legs or feet, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, a clammy feel, lack of movement from your baby, chest pain, abdominal pain, contractions, shortness of breath, a headache, or trouble walking. The presence of any or all of these could signify that something is wrong. Speak with your OB-GYN as soon as possible.

Remember to discuss with your doctor before you begin any exercise regime.

Exercising for Two - Part 5

2007-12-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

Over the course of this blog we will highlight the various different exercises which you can do during your pregnancy which are both safe and beneficial. Today we will take a look at some exercises you could do while pregnant.

Exercising gets your heart rate up, it lowers your blood pressure, and it releases endorphins – the “feel good” hormones of the brain. Pregnant women are not immune to these benefits. The best way to achieve these is through aerobic exercise which raises your heart rate. Any aerobic activity, even jogging, you had a routine of prior to your pregnancy, you should be able to continue with your physician's approval. Try to stick to low impact aerobics. Besides swimming and walking, which we have already discussed, you might want to think about stationary bicycling on a recumbent bike. Stationary biking is better for pregnant women, since it is easier to maintain balance, but traditional stationary bikes will not be comfortable for most pregnant women, especially in later months, this is due to the positioning of the body where riders often lean forward at the waist. A better option is a recumbent bike, where the rider reclines while pedaling. These are easier on the joints, offer better balance, and they are easier to get onto than other types. Be sure that you specifically ask your doctor about a recumbent bicycle. You might even want to show him a picture so that you both know exactly what you are asking about.

Remember to discuss with your doctor before you begin any exercise regime. Next time we will discuss further benefits to exercising while pregnant and more exercises to consider.

Exercising for Two - Part 4

2007-12-28T12:38:00.000-08:00

Over the course of this blog we will highlight the various different exercises which you can do during your pregnancy which are both safe and beneficial. Today we will take a look at some exercises you could do while pregnant.

Many doctors advise that if you have never been active, that you need to start off slowly. Regular, daily activity is more important than a couple of heavy work outs once or twice a month. In order to achieve this, they recommend that you build activity into your daily regime. This works even for moms-to-be. Walking is one of the easiest ways to incorporate activity into your life. You could take a walk around the block in the evening after dinner or park your car a but farther in the parking lot. How about a shopping trip with your girlfriends? The mall is a great place to do some walking. It is climate controlled, so you can never use the weather as an excuse, and some malls even have walking clubs that gather to get their daily exercise, but you do not have to do the huffing and puffing of these power walkers. Even a leisurely stroll through the stores is better than nothing. If you build these habits into your life while you are pregnant, it will be easier to continue them after the baby comes. Another benefit is that your baby weight will come off easier if you are active before and after the baby arrives. You should never do any activity which is painful, but your body will adapt to the activity as you go along and it should become easier. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Remember to discuss with your doctor before you begin any exercise regime. Next time we will discuss further benefits to exercising while pregnant and more exercises to consider.

Exercising for Two - Part 3

2007-12-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

Over the course of this blog we will highlight the various different exercises which you can do during your pregnancy which are both safe and beneficial. Today we will take a look at some exercises you could do while pregnant.

Since you will be looking for low impact exercises, you do need to remember that you will need some aerobic activity. Yoga is often not considered an aerobic exercise since it does not increase your heart rate enough. There are other options, though, for aerobic, low-impact exercises. You might consider swimming. When you are in the pool, part of your body weight is buoyed by the water, this makes anything that you do easier. The water also adds resistance, so even jogging in place in the water is harder than jogging in place on land, plus, it is easier on your joints. You might be thinking that you do not want to be seen in a swim suit while you are pregnant, but there are stylish swim wear options now that flatter your figure. Not only that, but in doing any kind of exercise while pregnant, you are benefiting yourself and your baby. Both of which are good reasons to get out into the pool.

Remember to discuss with your doctor before you begin any exercise regime. Next time we will discuss further benefits to exercising while pregnant and more exercises to consider.

Exercising for Two - Part 2

2007-12-27T10:45:00.001-08:00

Over the course of this blog we will highlight the various different exercises which you can do during your pregnancy which are both safe and beneficial. Today we will take a look at some exercises you could do while pregnant.

One of the most popular exercises now is yoga. It has been shown to increase strength and flexibility and reduce stress. These are all very good things for anyone, but they are especially beneficial to you when you are pregnant. The positive side of yoga is that it is low impact. This means that it will not be jarring to your joints the way that running can be. When you are pregnant, hormones in your body actually loosen the joints so that they are able to to more easily accommodate your growing body, but this has a downside because it can put you at increased risk for injury. This is why yoga, as a low impact exercise, can help. It will give you some of the benefits of jogging without the jarring. There are now even yoga classes for pregnant women. Go to a couple of classes to see if you like it. Then you can purchase the yoga mats and maternity yoga clothes that you will need for the class.

Remember to discuss with your doctor before you begin any exercise regime. Next time we will discuss further benefits to exercising while pregnant and more exercises to consider.

Eating for Two - Part 11

2007-12-20T14:56:00.000-08:00

Over the course of this blog we will highlight the various different nutritional needs all women have during pregnancy. Last time we looked at high mercury containing fish. Today we will turn the spotlight toward a something which you might want to avoid: undercooked or raw foods.

Your baby is very small inside the womb, and any amount of a toxin from undercooked food that might not make you sick, could affect the health of your growing baby. This means that you will need to give up the bagel with lox, the sushi, and carpaccios from Italian restaurants. All of these are other names for raw foods which many people commonly eat. Raw foods are not the only problems, though. Many recent stories in the news have covered the dangers of undercooked foods. For your baby's health, it will be best to put aside any meat the is not cooked to well done. This means at least 165 degrees. In fully cooking your meat, you will be able to reap the iron-filled benefits of these proteins, but you will greatly lessen the chances of food poisoning.

There are many other foods to avoid when pregnant, just as there are many more nutrients which are needed. It is best to discuss these with your doctor, so that you can have full knowledge of what is best for your baby.